Question
QUESTION: I live in south Texas. We are going to dig a pond and use the dirt to build a house. I would like to have Koi in the pond. Would the pond need certain requirements to have Koi. I was going to put a areator. The pond would be pretty big and have some depth to it. Please help, what do I need to get it started for Koi?

ANSWER: Hi Carol,

In order to give you a better answer, I do need some more information.

How big is the pond you want to build?
Are you going to use a liner?
If not, have you tested the soil for its clay content?
Clay is what make the water to stay in the pond and not seep trough the ground.
What is the water source?

Please let me know.

Carlo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The pond will be pretty big, maybe 50' long by about 20'. It will be sort of a gourd shape. One end deep and the smaller end shallow. It will be clay bottom no liner. There are several people on the neighborhood that have ponds and all are clay bottom. Sorce will be mostly rain water and well water. The well has been tested and is good, no chemicals.

Answer
Hi Carol,

Clay lined ponds are the best, and with a good water source you've got everything to be successful in keeping koi.
Regarding the aerator, that will depend on how many koi you do want to keep. Getting an aerator will enable you to have a much larger amount of fish.
Water plants will also help to oxygenate the water.
Even though keeping koi is a relatively simple thing, I strongly recommend you getting a good book on the subject.
The best book I could recommend is "The Cult of Koi" by Michugo Tamadachi, Published by T.F.H Publications Inc.
1 T.F.H. Plaza Third and Unions Aves. Neptune City, NJ 07753

Mr. Tamadachi is one of the foremost authorities in koi keeping from Japan.

Good luck!

Carlo